Springwater corridor Bike path

mile marker
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

Sunday Afternoon was a lovely afternoon for a bike ride. I went for my first bike ride of the year. It was great to be out on my bike. I started my bike ride a Gresham Main city park. The park is on Main street in Gresham just off Powell blvd. I rode east on the Springwater path. I heard many different bird songs as I rode along. I got passed by a child happily signing while being pulled in a bike trailer. People of all ages were out enjoying the path. The busy street crossings are well marked. There are posts along the route telling you the mile markers. Springwater is part of the 40 mile loop. It connects to the 205 path when it crosses 205. On the East end bike lanes connect it to the esplanade or the Sellwood Bridge. Trail map at www.40mileloop.org/maps/map_springwater_corridor.pdf

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden

Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden
Originally uploaded by Mary Anne Thygesen.

I went to Crystal Springs Rhododendron Garden this morning between rain showers. Walking into the garden I was awe struck. Beautiful blooming trees scattering petals all over the ground like snow flakes. It was fun walking around looking at what was blooming early. I looked over the early bloomers sale. The prices ranged from $8 to 20 dollars. There was a ride variety of colors and sizes of rhodi’s for sale. The sale is from 9am to 5pm Saturday April 5, 2008. SE 28th Street across from Reed College, one block north of woodstock. $3 admission, sometimes free early morning. www.rhodies.org

Portland Farmers market

Portland Farmers Market opens Saturday April 5, 2008 in the south park blocks in Portland State University. Open from 8:30 am to 2 pm. April is garden month at the market. There will be plenty of plants to choose from. In past years I remember seeing vegetables starts, herbs, bedding plants and a few shrubs. Local vegetables that are ready for harvest are radishes, spring greens and leeks. The list of venders is not posted yet. With over 100 venders there should be something that you like. It is a fun, interesting and very crowded shopping experience.

www.portlandfarmersmarket.org

Gardenpalooza

Saturday April 5, 2008 8:00am - 4:00pm at Fir Point farms.

This event is huge with six tents and a couple buildings. There will be many wholesale not open to the public nurseries selling plants. Gardenpalooza will have over 40 local nurseries and garden venders. On the list of venders are: Nichols Garden Nursery, they have a large selection of herb plants and seeds; One Green World, they have edible landscape plants; and Sedum chicks specializing in Sedum and Sempervivum. A petting zoo and food venders round out the event. The web page has coupons to print out and bring.

www.gardenpalooza.com

Fir Point Farm is not far from the tulip fields and you can stop at Fry’s in Wilsonville on the way home.

Take I-5 SOUTH toward SALEM

Take Exit 282A onto CANBY-HUBBARD ROAD NE

Go about 2 miles to the first traffic light

Turn Left (East) on ARNDT RD NE & go 0.4 miles. The MAIN ENTRANCE is 800 feet east of the AIRPORT RD NE intersection.

First Friday Art Walk April 4, 2008

Troutdale, OR is having an Art walk in historical downtown from 5 to 9 pm. Caswell Gallery will be open. 101 W Columbia River HWY. Rip Caswell’s bronze sculptures are stunning and life like. I wish that more of his sculptures were public art.

www.ripcaswell.com

Historic Downtown Troutdale on the old Columbia River highway is a quaint place to visit with lots of antiques and collectibles.

Fabric Depot Sale April 4 and 5, 2008

Friday and Saturday are the 40% off fabric sale days. Everything else is 30% off. Find fabric for a new spring outfit or prom dress. There is plenty of new quilting cotton for making of a new spring quilt. I saw a pretty embroidered linen fabric to make a skirt out off.

www.fabricdepot.com

First Thursday Art walk April 3, 2008

Time to wander downtown and in the Pearl looking at Art. It is not suppose to rain until tomorrow. I have a bad case of spring fever. All the blooms are late this year due to the rain. Looking at art should do wonders for my spring fever. For a little different walk, start at Urban wineworks 407 NW 16^th Ave. The featured artist for the month of April is Erika Warhus. Featured music is by Alfonso Pe Benito. Appetizers by phresh organic catering. Drink a flight of wine for $15. For April it is a high end flight of Domaine Michel Julliot 2005 Mecurey Blanc France, Bishop Creek Cellers 2005 Valois Reserve pinot noir Oregon. Domaine Des Relagnes 2004 Chateaneuf Du Pape Rouge France. Penny Hill 2005 Shiraz Australia.

Afterwards wander down Everett stopping at interesting places like Bullseye gallery until you get to Everett Street lofts. Have fun there are lots of interesting places to stop in along NW Everett.